Director of the School of Ocean Science and Engineering

Special Instructions to Applicants
The School of Ocean Science and Engineering (SOSE) at The University of Southern Mississippi seeks experienced and mission-driven candidates to apply for the position of SOSE Director. A completed application will include: 1) cover letter, 2) CV, 3) 2-3 page statement describing your approach to leadership, qualifications for this position, and past contributions and aspirations for strengthening the academic programs and creating and maintaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment, and 4) contact information for 3 references. Academic transcripts will be required prior to on campus interviews. Application materials must be uploaded through the Human Resources site at: https://jobs.usm.edu. Review of applications will begin May 20, 2022 and will continue until the position is filled.

Job Summary 
The Director of the School of Ocean Science and Engineering (SOSE) will provide energetic, collaborative, and visionary leadership, and principled administrative guidance and advocacy for the mission of SOSE in the areas of teaching, research, professional and public service, and outreach while working to maintain and nurture philosophies of shared governance and research-integrated teaching. SOSE includes graduate and undergraduate degree programs spanning Coastal Sciences, Hydrographic Science, Marine Biology, Marine Science, and Ocean Engineering, and a certificate program in Uncrewed Maritime Systems. The faculty and staff of SOSE leverage its location on the Gulf Coast and expertise in marine science, engineering, policy, and ecosystem health to address challenges facing coastal and marine environments nationally and internationally. SOSE has significant research infrastructure and facilities across four principal sites spanning the Mississippi Gulf Coast: the NASA Stennis Space Center, the Gulf Park Campus at Long Beach, the Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise at the Port of Gulfport and the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs.

The Director will guide the strategic vision for undergraduate and graduate education and teaching effectiveness and scholarly research.  The Director leads, promotes, and/or participates in research including large inter- and multi-disciplinary collaborations with diverse funding sources. The Director also encourages partnerships with USM coastal research centers (described below), and community and professional agencies. The Director serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of SOSE, reporting to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. The position is full-time, 12-month, tenure track, and begins as early as Fall 2022.  Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

For more information, contact:
Dr. Derek Patton
Director, School of Polymer Science and Engineering
Chair, Director of Ocean Science and Engineering Search Committee
derek.patton@usm.edu
(601)-266-4229

Primary Duties and Responsibilities  
The Director holds responsibility for leadership of SOSE and representation of SOSE to the College and University administration. In addition, the Director:

1. Oversees and guides strategic planning and analysis of School operations, budget, technology, and facilities, and actively engages in external/extramural relations
2. Guides student recruitment and retention practices
3. Engages in program and curriculum development for undergraduate and graduate academic programs, including remote learning
4. Oversees program assessment and accreditation in the School
5. Fosters community, professional and public partnerships that support the mission of SOSE
6. Engages in faculty recruitment, review, and retention practices
7. Promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and faculty governance
8. Promotes research and scholarship productivity and fosters an environment conducive to impactful, externally funded scholarly activities among faculty and students
9. Participates as a member of the University in scholarship and teaching activities
10. Enhances a collegial workplace built on mutual respect, transparency, and accountability
11. Contributes to the Coastal Operations Leadership Team
12. Performs other duties as assigned